State Education Board Members Visit Classrooms and Community at West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

September 12, 2013

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) toured facilities, spoke with teachers and met with students today during its visit to the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) in Romney, West Virginia. The board held its monthly meeting at the school.

"Board members always cherish the opportunity to get into the classroom," said Gayle Manchin, WVBE president. "This visit is especially important since the board oversees the operation of the WVSDB. We are unwavering in our commitment that children and youth with hearing or vision loss will receive the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their potential."

In addition to visiting the school, the board took time to meet with the community during a public forum to begin a dialogue about the efficiency and effectiveness of the school and its current location. Earlier this year the board directed Lynn Boyer, superintendent of the WVSDB, to research the opportunities offered at the Romney facility.

"I hope this forum is just the start of our conversations," said Manchin. "Our goal is to preserve, protect and enhance the work of the WVSDB. It is our obligation to look at every option in an effort to determine what is best for students. We may not walk away from the community forum with all of the answers but it is a start."

The board expects to compile the research conducted by Superintendent Boyer and the community comments from the forum for consideration.

For more information, contact Liza Cordeiro, executive director of the West Virginia Department of Education Communication Office at (304) 558-2699 or lcordeir@access.k12.wv.us.